Private tour in Koyasan Nobuhiro T
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Nobuhiro T.
5.0
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20
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49 hrs
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My name is Nobu. I previously studied abroad in England and then traveled around the world to learn about different cultures. Since then, I have been living in Mt. Koya, a world heritage site, for 15 years (as of 2023). I had a ceremony to be ordained over 15 years ago and experienced life as a Buddhist practitioner at a temple on Mt. Koya. Many people from overseas stay at the temple in Koyasan. I lived in England as a foreigner, so I understand how foreigners feel when they come to Japan. When I lived at a temple on Mt. Koya, I had the opportunity to read sutras, clean the temple, and learn Buddhism directly from the monks. This life continued for several years, but as I was able to speak English, I began to work more often at the temple office as the head steward. I was also responsible for dealing with overseas travelers, negotiating with travel agencies, creating a website for travelers, and teaching meditation. There are many guides who are knowledgeable about cultural properties, but I lived inside the cultural properties with the monks, and my main job was dealing with customers from overseas. I'm from Kansai. There are many famous tourist destinations such as Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Mt. Koya, and Osaka. We are familiar with the transportation networks throughout the Kansai region, so we can guide you smoothly. Additionally, as I hold qualifications as a guide interpreter and a travel agent, I am well versed in Japanese culture in general, food culture, and religious culture. I am also familiar with Japan's unique nightlife and unique customs, which are not included in guidebooks. What I keep in mind when planning a trip is to incorporate seasonal elements into the itinerary and make it an enjoyable guide. I think it is important not only to see cultural properties, but also to actually experience them. In addition to seeing the temple, we can also organize special meditation experiences inside the temple. We can also suggest dining locations according to your wishes. If you want to relax, we offer a leisurely trip. For those who want to experience as much as possible in one day, we can also organize such trips. Please tell us what you would like to try in Koyasan/Kansai. We will propose content that meets your needs. National interpreter guide (English) Wakayama Prefecture Special Zone Interpreter Guide Koyasan official guide Member of Koyasan Tourism Association Japan Travel Agency full member (Travel agency qualification) Management innovation company approved by Wakayama prefectural government None
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Nobuhiro T.
I recommend this tour for those who want to find special experiences unique to Koyasan. A friendly guide will be happy to explain the daily living of monks, training at Koyasan temples and important teachings of esoteric Buddhism, as well as deepening your understanding of Koyasan's history and culture. In this tour, we will visit Okunoin cemetery, some of the "Women Pilgrims Route". Koya-san is the center of Shingon Buddhism, which is one of the few surviving Tantric lineages of Buddhism in East Asia for more than 1200 years and registered to Unesco's World Heritage list, Okunoin Cemetery is Japan's biggest at 2km-long and home to more than 200, 000 graves. It dates back to at least 816AD. This hiking is not aimed to climb to the top of the mountain, it is an easy nature walk. After the hiking you will have a Mount Koya regional cuisine (box lunch)at the beautiful scenery panorama spot where mountains overseeing the Kii mountain range including the summit of Mount Omine.
Sample of tour time itinerary: - 9:45 Meeting at Public toilet at Naka-no-hashi parking lot - 10:00-11:20 Okunoin cemetery private tour & Okunoin Shojingu ritual - 11:30-12:45 Walking ancient pilgrimage trails & Lunch with mountain panorama view - After the tour, I will send you anywhere you want to go within Koyasan area by taxi or public transportation. This tour will be a group tour and other guests may join you, but it will be a small group tour with a maximum of 6 people
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You will walk during the tour. This tour consists of a pleasant walk through the woods on an almost flat route for only 40 minutes. Not a strenuous long mountain hike, but a short and quick immersive tour into Mother Nature of the Kii mountain range.
Wakayama, Wakayama, Japan
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Meeting in front of Public toilet at Naka-no-hashi parking lot
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
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